Can I try a class before signing up, to get a better sense if this is a good fit for me? YES. We offer a 3 DAY FREE TRIAL for any of our classes! You can book or visit us today!
Do I need to buy a uniform (gi) to try out a class? What if I don't own one? Not necessarily. If you'll be trying the gi class, we have loaner uniforms but it is not mandatory for your trial. You also have the option to purchase your own gi. Whether gi or no gi, we encourage wearing comfortable, athletic clothes i.e. t-shirt or rash guard/compression shirt, sweatpants/compression pants or shorts. Females, for your comfort, it is recommended to wear a top that is not low cut with a sports bra underneath, and shorts or sweat pants/compression pants.
What do I bring to my first class and what can I expect? Please try to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you can meet the staff and sign a waiver before getting started. Please bring: flip flops/sandals for walking off the mats and your own water to stay hydrated. The first part of class consists of a warm-ups which includes stretching, core work, and movement drills. After the warm-up, the instructor will show technique(s). You will then be partnered with another student and both take turns drilling the technique(s). The last part of class is reserved for “rolling”, which is the grappling equivalent to sparring. You DO NOT have to roll your very first day, but you are welcome to. if you choose to participate in rolling, you typically will be paired with someone who is more experienced so that they can work with you and guide you through the process.
What does a typical class look like? We begin class with some light calisthenics and stretching. Following our warm-up we then begin drilling technique. These drills when done over and over help form muscle memory and help our students retain technique. After our drilling is completed then we begin to spar (or roll). Rolling is when students are able to put their techniques to the test with training partners who can resist and counter just as they would in an actual fight, providing valuable real-world experience should the techniques ever need to be applied in an actual fight.
What is the difference between gi and no gi? Training in the gi involves wearing a cotton jacket and pants uniform, while with no-gi, one trains in a rash guard or t-shirt with shorts and/or compression pants. The main difference between rolling with a gi and without is that the gi allows a person to slow things down with "grips" or grabbing onto parts of the uniform for control and leverage. No-gi trains the individual to use grips without grabbing clothing as it is without the uniform. Typically, no-gi is faster paced than gi.